This post by New Republic was one of several posts released in 2016 emphasizing the prominence of hearing loss among veterans. Hearing loss now is the leading disability for veterans (topping even PTSD).

In fact, the Department of Veteran Affairs states that 60 percent of those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (around 600,000) have irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus.

Now that awareness has been raised, the military is focusing on creating helmets that mitigate loud blasts while amplifying ambient sound.

We’re fortunate to witness a number of stories each year about individuals conquering hearing loss to achieve remarkable things. But once in awhile one story comes along that reminds us of what is possible with the right frame of mind and determination.

Caroline Aufgebauer, a high school senior, worked around her hearing loss to learn not one, not two, but three different languages. She speaks English, Spanish, and Latin (earning special recognition for her performance on the national Spanish exam) and has a basic knowledge of German.

Which, by the way, makes her trilingual despite an ailment that makes speech comprehension quite difficult.

This inspiring story is about how photographer Kate Disher-Quill finally came to accept her hearing loss and embrace and love her hearing aids.

Kate’s project, Right Hear, Right Now, is designed to empower people to accept and embrace their differences. It’s something she wishes she had access to when she was younger, something that could have inspired her to accept her own hearing loss sooner than she did.

12. When silencing phantom noises is a matter of science

The search for the cure for tinnitus continued in 2016, with several encouraging findings.

Tinnitus is challenging to diagnose and treat, and the best treatments currently available either conceal the sound or advise the patient on how to deal with the sound.

But now scientists at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have uncovered the first gene that may be able to prevent tinnitus.

As we understand more about how the brain processes and interprets sound and speech, we can begin developing better hearing aids and more efficient programs to help those with hearing loss to enhance speech recognition.

Stay tuned in 2017 for additional breakthroughs in the fundamental area of speech comprehension.

Hidden hearing loss could be present even in younger people who can pass a standard hearing test.

Research is underway that can enhance the precision of hearing testing and expose hearing damage in young people, with consequences including more effective hearing protection, improved workplace noise standards, and targeted medical treatments.

Finally, here are eight great reasons to get a hearing test, published by Better Hearing Institute. There’s no better way to begin the new year than by taking charge of your hearing health and making the most of all of the rewards of better hearing.

What did we miss? What were your favorite stories of 2016?

Norm

"Chris, I am writing to say how glad I am about my Widex Hearing Devices. I did not realize how...